"I mean as regards the reputation of Owain Evans. Of course Madoc was always a liar, as I know, and Gwen didn't get on over-well with him. As a _deus ex machina_, Gwen would have disbelieved her father's stories of her cousin's wickedness." "But the poor chap isn't wicked at all. He's the whitest man I know." "Madoc's lies would have smirched the whiteness of an angel," retorted the old lady sharply. "But Gwen would have either forgiven or would have disbelieved had Hench come as her cousin. As it is she may throw him over if he tells her who he really is." "Oh, he intends to tell her right enough, and this very day, somewhere about three o'clock," said Vane coolly. "She may cut up rough for the minute, but when Owain gets into trouble she'll find out that she loves him all right." "Trouble!" Mrs. Perage looked up suddenly. "What trouble?" "I'm not at liberty to say, Aunt Emma. Owain intends to tell you himself. But there's a big trouble coming along." "Hum! Can't it be averted?" "So far as I can see, it can't." "Well, Jim,"--the old dame rose from the breakfast table and brushed the crumbs from her apron,--"I'll wait to hear the young man's explanation. But I am quite sure that he is honest and kind and a well-bred gentleman. Nothing will ever make me change my opinion of him." "Wait till you hear what the trouble is." "Do you know all about it?" demanded Mrs. Perage imperatively. "Yes, I do." "And you still can call Hench your friend?" "I can. He's a rattling good chap." "Then why the dickens should I change my opinion when I learn the truth?" said Mrs. Perage vigorously. "It can't be anything dishonourable or you would not champion Hench. Do you think you are talking to a fool, Jim Vane?" "Oh Lord, Aunt Emma, don't get on to me. My nerves are weak." "Your head is," retorted Aunt Emma smartly. "I wish you hadn't hinted at this trouble, Jim. I'm horribly inquisitive, and will be on tenterhooks until I know what it's all about." "I don't expect you'll have to wait long," said Vane gloomily. "There will be the devil to pay if----" Mrs. Perage closed her ears and hurried to the door. "Not another word. You are only making me more and more curious. But I tell you what, Jim, I am going to stand Hench's friend in any case." "You're a brick, Aunt Emma." "I'm an old fool," snapped Mrs. Perage, who was more upset by the implied mystery than she chose to admit. "My wisest plan would be to wash my hands of the whole business, known and unknown. But instead of doing so I am just going to strengthen Gwen's love for Owain, so that it may not fail her when he makes his revelation."